Find out what drives us and what defines our values
Meet the experts who manage your finances with passion.
Discover our current job offers or apply proactively!
Tax and Legal
David Merz | Founding Partner
Zurich, June 17, 2024
In the world of international trade and logistics, the ZAZ account (Centralized Customs Settlement Procedure) is an indispensable tool for companies that regularly import or export goods across the Swiss border.
It offers an efficient way to centrally settle customs duties and other fees. In this blog post, you will learn everything you need to know about the ZAZ account, from the basics to the benefits, and practical steps for opening such an account.
Additionally, we will cover specific topics that will help you optimize the use of the ZAZ account and overcome common challenges.
Book a free initial consultation with our experts.
The ZAZ account is a special account offered by the Swiss Customs Administration (BAZG). It allows companies to centrally settle all customs duties, such as import duties, value-added tax (VAT), and other fees. This central processing simplifies administration and provides better transparency of a company’s financial obligations to customs.
Do you need a fiscal representative? Click here for the prices.
The ZAZ account functions as a collection account where all customs duties incurred over a specific period are aggregated. Instead of settling each import individually, the amounts are collected and paid within the prescribed payment periods. Customs duties must be paid within 5 days and VAT within 60 days (Federal Office for Customs and Border Security). This significantly reduces administrative burden and enables better liquidity planning.g.
Using a ZAZ account offers numerous advantages:
A ZAZ account is particularly worthwhile for companies that regularly import or export goods. The centralized settlement and resulting administrative and financial benefits can save significant resources. Especially for large companies or those with frequent customs clearances, the ZAZ account is almost indispensable.
Various types of fees are settled through the ZAZ account, including:
Opening a ZAZ account is a structured process that includes the following steps:
After opening the ZAZ account, usage and management are largely digital. Companies report their imports and exports through the appropriate customs systems, and the incurred fees are automatically charged to the ZAZ account. Invoices must be paid within the specified payment deadlines.
To best utilize the benefits of the ZAZ account, companies should consider the following tips:
Thorough control of customs documents can lead to significant cost and time savings. Here are some tips from our professionals:
A central aspect of using a ZAZ account is managing payments, invoices, and deadlines. Here are some important points:
In case of problems or questions related to the ZAZ account, companies should know whom to contact. The Swiss Customs Administration offers various contact options, including:
The ZAZ account offers special benefits for eCommerce merchants:
Fiscal representation plays a crucial role in international trade, especially when it comes to processing imports and exports in Switzerland. In combination with the ZAZ account, fiscal representation offers significant advantages to foreign companies. But what exactly is fiscal representation and how does it work in connection with the ZAZ account?
Fiscal representation refers to the practice of a domestic representative, often a specialized fiduciary company, taking on the tax obligations for a foreign company. This includes, in particular, the processing of VAT and customs formalities. The fiscal representative acts as an intermediary between the foreign company and the Swiss authorities.
For foreign companies operating in Switzerland, fiscal representation is of great importance. It allows these companies to efficiently meet their tax obligations without having to establish a branch in Switzerland. Through fiscal representation, foreign companies can ensure that all tax and customs requirements are correctly and timely fulfilled.
The ZAZ account and fiscal representation complement each other excellently to simplify customs processing for foreign companies. Here are some key points on how these two tools work together:
The combination of fiscal representation and the ZAZ account offers numerous advantages to foreign companies:
To utilize the services of a fiscal representative, foreign companies must meet certain requirements. These include:
The amount of the security deposit for a ZAZ account is determined by the customs administration and is based on various factors, including import volume and the company’s creditworthiness. Companies can calculate the exact amount of the security deposit by following these steps:
The ZAZ account is a valuable tool for companies that regularly import or export goods across the Swiss border. It offers numerous advantages, including centralized settlement, improved liquidity planning, and reduced administrative burden. By opening and optimally using a ZAZ account, companies can make their customs processing more efficient and benefit from improved transparency and efficiency.
If you need assistance in opening or managing your ZAZ account, Nexova AG is your experienced partner. Our team of experts helps you find the best solutions for your customs processing and optimize your processes. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help make your international business smoother and more efficient.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website
Submit Comment